Oyo Government Officially Declares Fresh Holiday, Date Confirmed
- Oyo state, led by an Allied Peoples Movement (APM) administration, has formally declared June 16, 2026, a public holiday for the Islamic Hijri New Year
- The APM candidate in the 2027 presidential election, who is also the current governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, urged citizens to promote peace and coexistence amid Hijri 2026
- The government, in a statement by the commissioner for information, Dotun Oyelade, emphasised unity, solidarity, and multiculturalism for community harmony
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience reporting on national and regional news from Oyo state, with a strong focus on Nigeria, Africa and broader international affairs.
Ibadan, Oyo state - The Governor Seyi Makinde-led Oyo state government has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a work-free day for public workers to commemorate and celebrate the new Islamic calendar year, Hijri (also called Hijrah) 1448AH.
The declaration comes just days after Nigerians nationwide observed the 2026 Democracy Day public holiday.
Source: Facebook
Oyo announces public holiday for Hijri
As reported by The Punch, a press release signed by the commissioner for information, Dotun Oyelade, stated that the current administration recognises the importance of the Hijri in the lives of Muslims.
The statement read, as noted by The Nation:
“The Hijrah marks the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622AD, and is considered a significant event in Islamic history.
“As a gesture of respect and solidarity with the Muslim community, we have declared tomorrow, Tuesday, 16th June, 2026, a work-free day in the state."
He urged all residents to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in the state and the country as a whole.
Furthermore, Oyelade called on everyone to use the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of the Hijri, pray for the well-being of our state and our nation, and come together in the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood.
Oyelade added:
“The Hijrah is a time for reflection, prayer, and community spirit. Let us come together on this day to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in our state and our nation."
Borno declares public holiday
In the same vein, the Babagana Zulum-led Borno state administration announced an official public holiday to mark the Islamic Hijri New Year (1448 AH), with government entities set to close on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
In a notice, Usman Tar, the commissioner for information and internal security, urged residents of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state to use the period to rededicate themselves to peaceful coexistence and service to humanity and development.
The statement read, according to The Punch:
“This is to inform the general public that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, mni, FNSE, has declared Tuesday, 1st Day of Muharram 1448 After Hijri (AH), which is equivalent to Tuesday, 16th June 2026, as a Public Holiday to commemorate the first day of the Islamic Calendar Year 1448 (AH).
“All citizens are therefore enjoined to be faithful and reflect on this important date and rededicate themselves to peaceful coexistence and service to humanity and development of our dear state in particular."
Source: Twitter
Expert speaks on importance of Hijrah
Meanwhile, speaking to Legit.ng on the importance of Hijrah, Ustadh Saheed Rasaq said the occasion is one of the most pivotal events in the history of Islam.
He said:
"Hijrah is such a significant event. It is the defining moment that shaped the next phase of the Prophetic mission in spreading the message of love, peace and harmony."
He added:
"The spirit of hijrah is beyond commemorating the historical event. Today, Muslims ought to continue charting our path of excellence and carry the torch of our faith to spread goodness to others, regardless of faith and belief.
"As a community, we need to ensure that we do not give up and continue to work hard to achieve success in this life and the hereafter. There will always be challenges in one’s path towards success. However, we should not use these limitations to dampen our spirits and continue to strive towards excellence."
Sultan speaks ahead of Hijri 2026
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, called on Muslims across Nigeria to participate in the sighting of the new moon of Muharram 1448AH, a key exercise that would determine the commencement of the Hijri.
The directive was conveyed in a statement issued by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, the chairman of the advisory committee on religious affairs of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
